we shall need

USAGE SUMMARY

"we shall need" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a future necessity. For example, "We shall need to bring extra supplies for the hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We shall need it in the days ahead.

Independent

Perhaps we shall need those diplomats after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

This paper addresses the security architecture and technical strategies that we shall need.

Computers & Security

We shall need it more than ever in the years ahead.

The Guardian

But if you tame me, then we shall need each other.

The Guardian

In three years' time we shall need to do something similar again".

The Guardian

To enable this strategy to succeed we shall need an entirely new paradigm for securing our enterprise applications and infrastructure.

Computers & Security

We can no longer sustain the approach of a hardened perimeter and we shall need to open up the enterprise.

Computers & Security

In fact, we shall need to do an enormous lot of things right, and all at once.

The Guardian

But in the future, with multilingual databases and so forth, we shall need to use the two alphabets interchangeably.

The Guardian

"We shall need a sexual revolution much larger than – inclusive of – a socialist one to truly eradicate all class systems".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we shall need", ensure that the context clearly indicates a future requirement or necessity, and consider the level of formality appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "we shall need" in highly informal or casual communication. Opt for more common and less formal alternatives like "we'll need" or "we're going to need" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we shall need" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a future necessity or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms this aligns with grammatical standards and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

22%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we shall need" is a grammatically correct modal verb phrase used to express a future necessity or requirement. As verified by Ludwig AI, it maintains a formal tone and is frequently used in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts. While "we'll need" serves as a more informal alternative, "we shall need" is preferred when conveying authority or in formal writing. Remember to consider your audience and context when choosing between these options to ensure the most appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'll need

Slightly less formal contraction of "we shall need".

we will require

Emphasizes a future necessity or demand, often in a more formal context.

we are going to need

Indicates an impending need, often implying a sense of urgency or inevitability.

we must have

Highlights the importance or essential nature of the required item or action.

it will be necessary for us

A more formal and emphatic way of stating the necessity of a future action.

we are obliged to have

Suggests a formal or moral compulsion to possess or obtain something.

we have a need for

Focuses on the existence of a current deficiency or requirement that needs to be fulfilled.

it is imperative that we

Highlights the critical and urgent nature of a future action.

we stand in need of

Indicates a current lack or deficiency, often with a slightly archaic or formal tone.

we should need

Expresses a need that is conditional or dependent on certain circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "we shall need" in a sentence?

Use "we shall need" to indicate a future necessity or requirement. For example, "We shall need additional funding to complete the project successfully".

What is a more informal alternative to "we shall need"?

A more informal alternative is "we'll need", which is a contraction of "we shall need" and is suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "we shall need"?

"We shall need" is appropriate in formal writing, presentations, or situations where a degree of emphasis or authority is desired. It's less common in everyday conversation.

Is there a difference between "we will need" and "we shall need"?

Traditionally, "we shall need" was used for simple future tense, while "we will need" was used for emphasis or determination. In modern English, "we will need" is more commonly used, but "we shall need" still conveys a slightly more formal tone.